Nation Ford’s Clayton Rygol is one returning starter for the Falcons that could have a big year on the mat. File photo

The Nation Ford Falcons wrestling team has a lot of youthfulness on this year’s roster, which can be beneficial down the line.

First year head coach Bret Peltier has been an assistant within the program for several years and has now taking over the Nation Ford program looking to push it to the next level. He is confident and optimistic heading into the season.

“I feel pretty confident if everything works out like I plan it will,” Peltier said. “I’m not saying it will. The guys I got coming back like Mitch, Clayton, Isaac. Those are my workhorses. I am looking to surprise a couple teams this year. That’s my goal.”

Nation Ford has 32 wrestlers on the roster for the season. The Falcons have roughly a dozen coming back.

Peltier said he expects to have some growing pains this year because of the team’s youthfulness.

“I am very sophomore and freshman heavy,” Peltier said. “Moving forward it is going to be a good thing because those guys will get a lot of experience in the next couple years. Those growing pains are going to be helpful in the future.”

The main wrestlers coming back this year include Mitchell Ladamus, Clayton Rygol, Alan Minarro and Isaac Nieves. Peltier also expects big things from Dalton Curtsinger and Danny Gilstorf this season.

“Danny and Dalton got in a lot of work this summer, which is great,” Peltier said. “They look really good coming into the season so far.”

Peltier said he feels Nation Ford can make the playoffs and preaches to his team about being mentally tough.

“You have to get uncomfortable, being uncomfortable,” he said. “You have to work your butt off to be good and have the success you want. You are going to be sore; you are going to be tired; you are going to want to give up.”

Nation Ford opens their season today in the Mill vs. Hill tri-match wrestling South Pointe. The Falcons will then head to the Southern Slam this weekend. Nation Ford will also participate in the Kingsley Classic and will travel to the Mallard Creek and May River tournaments later in December before starting their Region 3-5A matches in January.

Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep